Revisiting the philosophical foundations for recreational therapy: An imperative for survival

Authors

  • Thomas K. Skalko, PhD, LRT, CTRS

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2009.0002

Keywords:

recreational therapy, therapeutic recreation, philosophical positions

Abstract

The establishment of a philosophical orientation for the field of recreational therapy has been a pressing issue for decades. The article addresses the historical foundations of the field and the evolution of the philosophical orientation debate. Contemporary social, health care, and legislative issues are addressed.

Author Biography

Thomas K. Skalko, PhD, LRT, CTRS

Professor of Recreational Therapy, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina.

References

James A: Conceptual development of recreational therapy. In Brasile F, Skalko T, Burlingame J (eds.): Perspectives of Recreational Therapy: A Dynamic Profession. Ravens - dale, WA: Idylarbor Publishing, 1998, 7-38.

Meyer L: Philosophical alternatives and the professionalization of therapeutic recreation. Report of the Philosophical Statement Task Force. Arlington, VA: National Therapeutic Recreation Society, 1980.

Reynolds RP, O’Morrow GS: Problems, Issues and Concepts in Therapeutic Recreation. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc, 1985.

National Therapeutic Recreation Society: 25th Anniversary: A Historical Perspective 1966-1991. Compiled by O’Morrow GS. Arlington, VA: National Recreation and Park Association, 1991.

Rensvold V, Hill B, Roggs E, et al.: Therapeutic recreation. Ann Am Acad Pol Soc Sci. 1957; 313: 87-91.

Peterson CA: The dilemma of philosophy. In Compton DM (ed.): Issues in Therapeutic Recreation: A Profession in Transition. Champaign, IL: Sagamore Publishing, 1989, 21-33.

Hemingway JL: Building a philosophical defense of therapeutic recreation: The case of distributive justice. In Sylvester C (ed.): Philosophy of Therapeutic Recreation: Ideas and Issues, Vol. 1. Alexandria, VA: National Recreation and Park Association, 1987: 1-16.

Shank J, Kinney T: On the neglect of clinical practice. In Sylvester C (ed.): Philosophy of Therapeutic Recreation: Ideas and Issues, Vol. 1. Alexandria, VA: National Recreation and Park Association, 1987: 65-75.

World Health Organization: International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Geneva: World Health Organization, 2001.

Skalko TK: Therapeutic recreation: At ethical and pragmatic crossroads. Virginia Recreation and Parks Magazine. 1994; 21(3): 8-9, 13.

Published

01/01/2009

How to Cite

Skalko, PhD, LRT, CTRS, T. K. (2009). Revisiting the philosophical foundations for recreational therapy: An imperative for survival. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 8(1), 7–14. https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2009.0002

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